LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 28, 2011) - The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, the major source of private financial support for the Los Angeles Fire Department, will host its first Awards Luncheon Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the Hollywood Palladium. The event honors 24 Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighters and Paramedics who have demonstrated bravery at great personal risk to his or her own life.
Established in 2010, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation raises funds to provide the essential equipment, technology and training that allow the world-class Department to stay at the top of its ability to serve.
"A donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the more than 4,000 sworn members and civilian staff of the Los Angeles Fire Department is an investment in the safety of our city," said Karen Wagener, president of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. "Approximately 96% of the city budget pays for personnel, leaving very little for the other needs of the Department."
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides financial support and community backing to the men and women who serve the city of Los Angeles. The Foundation's inaugural Awards Luncheon recognizes firefighters and paramedics with the presentation of the Department's Lifetime Achievement, Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit and Letter of Special Commendation awards.
With the Los Angeles city budget stretched, the Fire Department is often asked to do without. With limited resources to do their job, the Department has flashlights and computers that are more than a decade old. The Foundation helps where the city budget stops and provides the tools needed to protect life, property and the environment.
Created in 2010 by a committed group of volunteers who are business leaders and community activists, the Foundation has already provided three specialized computers with software and supplies and plans to provide double its support in 2011. For more information and to find out how to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, please visit http://supportlafd.org.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Heather Gordon
The Rogers Group
(310) 552- 4123
hgordon@rogerspr.com